[AaronL]

Hi,

I received some great help here before with my plumbing so I'm back to solve a furnace problem. Thanks for looking.

Unit Information:
Rheem RGPH-05NAUER
Serial # FD5D302F310005868
Natural Gas, Induced draft, upflow/horizontal
Installed in the year 2000

2 days ago the blower motor stopped working. I referenced the owners manual and used the troubleshooting flowchart to diagnose the problem. I climbed up into the attic access hole and found the furnace so I was able to verify all the operations with my own eyes. After following all the steps the flowchart indicates "replace blower motor."

I completed the following steps up in the attic
1. Set thermostat for heat
2. Induced draft motor starts (
3. Spark energizes (I can hear the clicking sound)
4. Main burners light (I can see the clean blue flames from both burners)
5. Indoor blower DOES NOT start (20 sec. After main burner ignites)
6. Test IFC (Integrated Furnace Control) for 120 volts between HEAT and COMMON terminals. Confirmed 120VAC between HEAT and COMMON terminals. Flowchart indicates "replace blower motor."

I called a few HVAC repair techs. This being Friday afternoon, I only reached 1 on the phone. He suggested that I try to identify if the "start capacitor" was faulty by trying to spin the motor by hand to get it to start. I will try this tonight.

Without seeing the unit himself, he quoted $475 to replace the blower motor. When asked, he said the parts cost would be $150-175.

Does his advice seem accurate?

Is there anything else I can check?

Thanks,
Aaron

[AaronL]

For reference, I am located in Orange County, CA.

How difficult would it be to change the blower motor myself? I am very comfortable with automotive repairs but have yet to repair any HVAC appliances.

[AaronL]

I just tested again to see if the capacitor could be at fault. I was able to get the blower motor started if I spun it by hand. When I did that (after the draft inducer started, burners ignited and burning) the motor would spin up to full speed on its own and the heater operated normally.

I am going to look for a replacement capacitor now. Hopefully I Can get it at a local supply house tomorrow and have the heat working. It's cold here (for us Californians... ) in the low 40s at night.

[rodri]

I'm glad you found the problem. Usually when the capacitor goes bad its just a matter of time for the motor to go bad. They are not hard to replaced

[AaronL]

What's involved with replacing the motor? It looks like this one would have to come out through the side. I didn't see an access from the top of the unit.

[AaronL]

Bought a replacement capacitor for $15 and solved the problem.

[rodri]

Nice

[edgarcalzada]

I have the same furnace the igniter work but not flames can any body help me

[ma0641]

First thing is to clean the flame sensor. It is located opposite the ignitor across the venturis . Remove it and polish with fine sandpaper or coarse steel wool. If that doesn't work you then need to start testing components.